Egypt stun Belgium with Ashour's thunderbolt as Cape Verde hold Spain to 0-0 at World Cup 2026

Emam Ashour fired Egypt into a stunning lead against Belgium in Group G of the 2026 World Cup at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday, June 15, capping a day of upsets that began when Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw in Group H.

Ashour’s thunderous strike flew past Thibaut Courtois — Egypt’s first shot of the match — and handed the Africans a lead they were working hard to protect. It also marked the first time Egypt have gone into half-time ahead in a World Cup fixture, a milestone that underlines just how significant the moment is for a nation still searching for their first ever win at the tournament.

Egypt’s dominance was not limited to that single moment. They controlled possession after taking the lead and continued to press Belgium, who had been expected to advance comfortably through the group stage. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among those watching from the stands as the match unfolded.

Earlier in the day, Cape Verde produced the bigger shock, frustrating European champions Spain across 90 minutes without conceding. Lamine Yamal came off the bench but could not unlock a resolute Cape Verde defence. Roberto Lopes was one of the standout performers for the underdogs — the Irish-born centre-back has been using virtual reality technology from company Be Your Best during the tournament to sharpen his awareness and decision-making. Romeo Lavia is among the investors in the platform, which has also been used by Aurelien Tchouameni, Dejan Kulusevski, Endrick and Marc Guehi.

Elsewhere on Monday, Iran arrived in the United States for their tournament opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles, having faced visa denials for some squad members and strict travel restrictions. Their participation came after Donald Trump and Iran signed a peace deal on Sunday. Iran fans were separately ruled by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge to be banned from displaying pre-revolutionary flags during the World Cup, following an expedited hearing.

Saudi Arabia and Uruguay were also set to begin their campaigns later in the evening, rounding off a day that had already rewritten several expectations about how Group G and Group H might take shape.